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Code of Ethics and Professional Practices established by the Association of Professional Genealogis
One of the principal objectives of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) is to encourage high standards of ethical conduct and professional practice in dealings with clients and other members of the general public. To further that objective, all members of APG agree to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.
Purpose: The APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices serves to promote: (1) a truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history; (2) the trust and security of genealogical consumers; and (3) careful and respectful treatment of records, repositories and their staffs, other professionals, and genealogical organizations and associations.
Consistent with these purposes, I agree to:
- Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner;
- Refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data;
- Report appropriately qualified genealogical conclusions in writing based on the weight of the evidence with fully and accurately cited sources;
- Represent my abilities, services, and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;
- Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;
- Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding applicable project scope, fees, charges, payment structures, and deliverables without concealment or misrepresentation;
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest;
- Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;
- Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;
- Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;
- Refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records;
- Give proper credit to the work of others and refrain from plagiarism;
- Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration, violation of laws or regulations, or other improper means;
- Refrain from behaviors or statements that malign or are maliciously calculated to injure the profession; individual genealogists; genealogical associations, programs, or educational organizations; or the Association of Professional Genealogists.
1. APG, Code of Ethics and Professional Practices, https://www.apgen.org/cpages/code-of-ethics
